The junior varsity girls’ softball team played a tough game against the Analy Tigers, taking a hard 10-0 loss in the Thursday afternoon sun. This was the Giants’ second consecutive loss against Analy.
The game started off slow, without any runs by either team. It was in the top of the second inning when the Giants lost ahold of the game. Pitcher #1, sophomore Alexis Gero allowed five runs, with little help from her defense. After Gero hit a player, the batter took an automatic walk to first base and Analy’s players were able keep running through all four plates.
After the opposing team lead 5-0 going into the third inning, the Giants had a difficult time getting back on track, allowing the Tigers to score another four runs in the next two innings.
Although the Giants were consistent with getting players on the bases, they had a hard time bringing them home, according to JV head coach Steve Lightfoot.
“We left a lot of runners on base. We got a lot of runners on, but didn’t get the hits we needed,” Lightfoot said.
The girls’ teammates and fans were constantly showing their support throughout the game. They all knew that even with a loss, the team still had an over .500 record, at 7-6.
Thursday’s game was the Giants’ second consecutive day playing against Analy. They did not win Wednesday’s game either, but the previous was a much closer match, according to sophomore Ella Morrison.
“[Analy] did beat us yesterday, but we had a much closer game because we played better,” Morrison said.
The coach, as well as Morrisona and Gero, agreed that their biggest weakness throughout Thursday’s game was their defense.
“We definitely made a lot more errors on defense than we should have. So before the next game we will probably practice a lot more on defense and taking care of the ball,” Morrison said.
According to Gero, another fallback for the team was their inability in this game to follow through with the necessary plays to win.
“I think the main thing is getting the basic plays, the fundamental ones because that is what tends to hurt us the most,” Gero said.
This was the Giants’ third game in three days, which, according to Morrison, made all the players tired.
“[Analy’s] defense was very good, but they weren’t hitting very well. They didn’t get it out to the outfield very much. It’s mostly on us,” Gero said.
This steep loss did not defeat the team’s spirit. According to Lightfoot, the Giants welcome the challenge that the Tiger’s brought.
“Analy’s always got a strong program, and that’s why we like to play them. We like to play tough teams to test us,” Lightfoot said.
The Giant’s junior varsity softball team’s next game is Monday, May 1 against Sonoma Valley.
